Get to Know Bethesda’s New Board Members!

Bethesda recently installed three new board members as well as welcomed a new Chair and Vice-Chair during our annual meeting that took place on Thursday, November 18th.  We are blessed to have such wonderful people in our community that embrace the call to serve their community through our mission.

Get to know Bethesda’s New Board Members!

David Gehant, Peace Lutheran Church

David and his wife Marjorie reside in Spicer and regularly attend Peace Lutheran Church in New London.

Born and raised in Madison, MN, David received a Bachelors Degree from Concordia College, a Masters Degree from the University of Minnesota and a Doctorate in Healthcare Administration from the Medical University of South Carolina.

He was employed in health care administration for 40 years working in hospitals in Ipswich and Rapid City, South Dakota, Worthington, Minnesota and finally Boulder, Colorado.

Dave has served as a volunteer board member for a hospice agency, YMCA, chamber of commerce, and currently serves as board chair for The Link in New London.

Fun Fact: Dave has organized and led medical mission teams to Tanzania, Haiti, Tajikistan, Mexico and The Ukraine!

Pastor Dean E. Johnson, Calvary Lutheran Church

Pastor Dean E. Johnson and his wife Debbie reside in Willmar. For the past 48+ years Pastor Dean has served as an ordained pastor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar, where he now serves as Administrative Pastor.

Pastor Dean served his country for years in the Minnesota Army National Guard as a Chaplain retiring with the rank of Brigadier General. In 1978 he was elected as the Minnesota House of Representative for District 21A. In 1982, Dean was elected to the Minnesota State Senate representing District 13 (formerly known as District 15). Serving 28 years total in the Minnesota State Legislature. Dean also served on the University of Minnesota Board of Regents for 12 years.

In his free time Dean enjoys golfing, attending Minnesota Gophers sporting events and playing Gin Rummy.

Pastor Dean has had a transformational influence on Bethesda’s past through his service as a member church pastor, past governing board member and past foundation board member.

Fun Fact: Pastor Dean is the only Minnesota senator to have led both caucuses in that chamber, and one of only three to serve as both minority and majority leader.

Mike Gilson, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church, Spicer

Michael (Mike) Gilson resides in Spicer where he and his late wife, Deborah, have been long-standing members of Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church in Spicer.

Mike retired from Heritage Bank, N.A. and remains actively involved in his church, member of the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and Little Crow Golf Course. He is also the current President of the Rice Estates Homeowners Association.

In his free time Mike enjoys golfing, sports, reading and watching the stock market.

Fun Fact: In June 2008 Mike shot a hole-in-one on hole #8 at the Little Crow Golf Course!

Bethesda Board Members

Roger Ahrenholz, Chair member-at-large
Myron Behm, Vice Chair
Dr. Joan Blonigan Christianson, Vinje Lutheran Church
Luther Dykema, Redeemer Lutheran Church
David Gehant, Peace Lutheran Church
Dena Eichelberger, Calvary Lutheran Church
Mike Gilson, Our Lady of the Lakes Catholic Church
Pastor Dean E. Johnson, Calvary Lutheran Church
Julie Kveene, Calvary Lutheran Church
Nancy Olson, United Methodist Church
Sherri Pool, Roseland Reformed Church
Karen Tusha-Mohlin, Bethel Lutheran Church